Saturday, May 24, 2014

My Birthday Wish

Earlier this month, Ann called to ask me when and what I wanted to do to celebrate my birthday. We all knew my birthday would be hard...with Mother's Day falling just two days before, and my birthday being the day Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Just three years ago...it's surreal to think about how different life was then...and how quickly things can change. We all thought we'd have more time.

Our munchkins, even if only for a few hours, helped us forget and enjoy the moment.

I opted for low key - a family picnic at the Botanic Garden. Unfortunately, our original plan for grilled cheese sandwiches and gelato from Blue Spruce fell through when we discovered Blue Spruce wasn't serving sandwiches during the summer. Seriously...no sandwiches during the summer. Torture. If you've had their Gardner Sandwich then you understand.











Thursday, May 22, 2014

Ribbons and Robots

Henry - I know that right now, an HOUR feels like eternity, but trust me...time moves way too fast. Just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital, and today, you're SIX years old.
 
We started the day off right - with your favorite - chocolate donuts with sprinkles. Sam sang "Happy Birthday" to you as we all did a happy dance around the kitchen.

 
The following day, Saturday, we celebrated BIG with your cousin, Molly, who was turning TWO...again, where does the time go?

 
Cakes continue to be THE most important part of your celebration. You're always very clear, and VERY specific about what your cake should look like. I think we hit the mark this year.


 
Before family arrived, and while Daddy and Sam were out picking up the balloons and ice cream, you and I spent some quality time catching rolly pollies in the backyard.

 
But as soon as Molly rang the doorbell, you forgot all about your rolly pollies...

 
And a party isn't a party without a pinata! Especially for our little Guatemalan princess.

 
I think Molly was hoping for a ribbon full of candy, not a robot.

 
Sam took his job seriously. He was determined.


 
Thank goodness for Tripp and the bigger kiddos, or we might still be standing around the pinata. I'm convinced your robot was made of industrial strength cardboard...if there is such a thing.









 
It was such a blessing to have Aunt Carrie (and Kylee and Caden) join us for the afternoon. And it will be an even better treat if we can convince them to move to Stillwater!




 
Sam was a HUGE fan of your new Wolverine mask. Good luck prying that out of his sticky little hands.



 
Where I found your Papa and little brother after the party.



 
Papa with his birthday grandbabies. He loves you both so much.

 
It's okay Molly...we all agree he's scary.


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Easter

Easter was bitter sweet. Mom wasn't here to hide eggs or fill Easter baskets, but there wasn't a moment that went by we didn't think of her.
 
The evening before Easter, our Life Group gathered in our backyard to plant a tree in her memory. A constant reminder of her life and legacy. The location is perfect...I can see her tree from every south/back window. And often, Henry takes my hand and asks if we can "go check Grandma's tree."
 

 
She would have loved watching Henry, Sam and Molly search high and low for eggs...and then watching and hearing them squeal with delight as they opened each one.








 
Easter's QOTD: "Papa, do you know why we celebrate Easter? Because it's the day Jesus rose from the dead. And we celebrate Christmas because that's the day Jesus was born. And I think we celebrate Valentine's Day because we love Jesus...even though no one really says that about Valentine's." - Henry, age 5